The Australian Education Times - August 2014

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“Mental Health”

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Issue 9 • August 2014 • www.educationtimes.com.au

Free What excites me the most is the ability for all teachers to embrace computer technology, not as in the computer itself, but what it can enable in the teaching.

Kate Burleigh, CEO of Intel

L O O H C S G N OUTSTANDI Scan QR Code to read digital edition

ICT FOR EDUCATION:

Getting your Head 3D Printed

t s r u h n Norma h S chool g i H s y Bo

LITERACY CORNER:

It’s all in the NEWSpapers

magic maths:

How to Conquer Math Anxiety with Technology

Success Story

THE NEWS CREW

Contents News and Views:

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Outstanding School of the month:

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Success Story:

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Focus on University:

9 University

Understanding why depression is rife in high schools

Normanhurst Boys High School

Kate Burleigh, CEO of Intel

Returning to study?

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Special Pull Out:

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Mental Health – is your child at risk?

Kate Burleigh, CEO of Intel

Join us digitally via our social networks….

FOLLOW us

Returning to study?

ICT for Education: Getting your Head 3D Printed

What excites me the most is the ability for all teachers to embrace computer technology, not as in the computer itself, but what it can enable in the teaching.

Focus on

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Career of the Month: 25 Engineer

Test Zone:

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Literacy Corner:

ICT For 28 Education

How to prepare for the HSC

It’s all in the NEWSpapers

Getting your Head 3D Printed

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Magic Maths: 29 How to Conquer Math Anxiety with Technology

science lab: 33

facebook.com/theaustralianeducationtimes

Playing with Playdough

@TheAusEduTimes

Puzzle Pop:

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Global Story:

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Some Fun Activities and Games Contact us email : editor@educationtimes.com.au Phone: +61 2 8883 0750 Advertise email: advertise@educationtimes.com.au

Johnny Depp – How he overcame Depression and Anxiety

Literacy Corner

It’s all in the NEWSpapers

When you see this symbol, check out our website for real life interviews and more info!

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www.educationtimes.com.au The Australian Education Times

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The Australian

education times

From the Editor

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orrifying statistics are emerging about the mental health status of our young children. Whilst they are provided with significantly more opportunities than earlier generations, children today are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, eating disorders and psychosis. Unfortunately these may result in self harm or substance abuse (drugs or alcohol).

There are many reasons as to why these occur with students. Some stem from the home whilst others are a result from incidents that occur at school.

According to the Mental Health Council of Australia, ‘Approximately 20 per cent of the Australian population will experience mental illness in any given year. Services must be improved to meet increasing demands and to ensure that people with a mental illness receive high quality and targeted services’.

With such figures on the rise, there are many things that we can do to help our children and our friends to reduce this terrible statistic. Everyone has the power to help someone that is close to them before it is too late.

This issue looks at the types of Mental Health issues that exist and the many ways we can help our youth as parents, teachers and friends. We also have our regular features for you and as part of our Success Story, we were very fortunate to interview Kate Burleigh from Intel who shares her

Quotes of the Month We are moving from an era of using processes to teach content to an era of using content to teach processes.

- Cheryl Lemke (@lemkec)

educating yourself about things that you may not even believe in brings honesty and enlightenment into the sunlight! views of learning technology in schools. I would also like to thank those readers who have provided feedback and shared their opinions in the countless emails we are receiving. If there is anything that you would like us to feature, please feel free to email me at editor@educationtimes.com.au Noelene Callaghan

- Anonymous

It’s not the will to win that matters, everyone has that, it’s the will to prepare to win that matters most.

- Bobby Knight

The Australian Education Times would like to acknowledge the Darug people who are the traditional custodians of this land. I would also like to pay respect to the elders past and present of the Darug nation and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present.

Letters To Editor Dear Editor

Congratulations on your 10,000 likes on Facebook. Loving your magazine and what you are doing in education.

I wish there was a magazine like this when I was at school

Jane, Baulkham Hills

Dear Editor I am a primary school teacher and I am finding your ICT section an important part of my overall teaching. Thanks for the additional support Mr Kumar, Campbelltown

Dear Editor

I wold like to know I can interview someone for your Success Story?

Tianna, Parramatta

The Australian Education Times is dedicated to providing relevant and up-to-date news and resources that can be used in the classroom or at home. If you would like to contribute to our magazine, please write to Noelene at editor@educationtimes.com.au All contributions are to be 300 words long and to include a photo that is saved as a jpeg.

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The Australian Education Times

The Australian

education times News and Views

s s e r p De amongst high school continue to soar!

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here has been extensive reporting this year of the number of students that is suffering from mental health.

A study conducted by Resilient Youth Australia found that as many as one third of girls are diagnosed with depression and a quarter of boys are also depressed. What is more disturbing is that depression in our youth is found to typically lead to them being violent, abusing alcohol (such as binge drinking) as well as participating in unwanted sex in order to cope with their problems.

Schools are also employing record number of counsellors to assist students with the day-to-day

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management of attending school and finding their place within their own family.

So what is contributing to so many students to be depressed? There are many, many factors that contribute to depression and other mental health issues. Many of them are discussed in this issue, however, friendship groups and broken homes are the most common. When students lose friends or make friends with students (that you may feel is a bad influence), their approach to how they converse with their peers, teachers and family members can change. Some become aggressive whilst others become withdrawn. Many blame social media

for this type of behaviour, but in reality it is important to know that there are teenage students who are enjoying a positive experience using facebook, kik and Instagram as they only befriend real friends and use correct online etiquette.

If there are issues at home such as parents separating, the birth of a new baby, a death or serious incident of a family member, the teenage student may also lead to them feeling under strain and unable to overcome difficulties.

Teachers often recognise when a student is being effected by an issue as their learning behaviours change. Students slowly develop

Tweetings

sion students skills that are a result of mental health illnesses by either not actively participating in class discussions, not completing class work or by being overly happy and positive. These teachers often speak the student, contact parents and follow school procedures to handle the situation. Should parents be concerned, they are encouraged to speak to their child’s teacher, year adviser or Deputy Principal.

In was reported earlier this year in The Sunday Age, that Education Minister Christopher Pyne announced a review of the national curriculum, headed by former teacher and ex-Liberal Party staffer Kevin Donnelly.

Hopefully this is an area that we can combat on a national level and begin reducing such illnesses.

@DrFrankLipman Thought of the Day: The secret to improving your mentalhealth may be in your gut, as gut flora and digestive health in general affects mood @jasonlatour If you’re struggling with depression, talk to someone.

Your mentalhealth is more important than whatever you fear it’ll do to your career. @MentalHealthGov Myth: I can’t help someone with a mentalhealth problem. Fact: Friends and family can make a big difference. http://1.usa.gov/1qEw34g @MinorityHealth Stigma can prevent those in need from seeking help. #MentalHealth is just as important as physical health. http://bit.ly/1k7frOm. @DennisJensenMP So impressed with @ReachOut_AUS‬ for reaching young people with mentalhealth issues online. Thank you for your work! pic.twitter.com/LuLV6Gzjmw @CharitySANE Feeling alone or isolated because of mentalhealth problems? Try Textcare for support at times that are right for you http://bit.ly/Om8AYa @gab_holt Being healthy isn’t all physical, mentalhealth is important too, including self esteem... http:// gabbbxo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/self-confidence.html …#healthyselves #lbloggers @FamilyGuideToMH Think about the pain and suffering and Learning #families go through facing a mentalhealth crisis.

Share it! athttp://www.familyguidetomentalhealth.com @nickpowellbkny Stunning quote from COBA Prez Norman Seabrook on Rikers: “This jail belongs to us. It does not belong to the department of mentalhealth.” @UnusualDataPage Eating a banana for breakfast can help you feel less groggy in the morning. Bananas also help maintain focus and mentalhealth. @WorkFoundation Mentalhealth causes more suffering than physical illness, poverty ,unemployment says Richard Layard via @Independent http://ind.pn/1qzBRvX @QLDMH Something’s fishy about the Queensland MentalHealthbudget http://tinyurl.com/nbq4qao @channeltennews #Thorpey interview raises questions about mentalhealth support for our elite athletes. Details #TenNews 5pm pic.twitter.com/V7TIYdrFWW @BipolarBlogger After 4 years of mental ill-health I have a reprieve - just until the next inevitable episode. Bipolar is a lifelong condition #AreWeWellYet @ReinaFleet Mentalhealth& chronic illness patients face so many barriers in the health care system. We NEED compassion and support. #AreWeWellYet

If you or a friend are experiencing any of the Mental Health issues that are (and are not) presented in this issue, please tell a parent or teacher. Help is available regardless of your background, age or circumstance.

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education times Outstanding School

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ormanhurst Boys High School is an academically selective, public, high school for boys, located in Normanhurst, on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.Established in 1958 and operated by the New South Wales Department of Education and Communities (DEC), the school currently caters for around 730 students from Years 7 to 12. From the opening in 1958 until

1993, Normanhurst Boys High School operated as a comprehensive school. In 1993, the Government of New South Wales marked Normanhurst as one of several high schools allowed to select students by academic achievement. The first intake of “selective” students was made up of those starting Year Seven in 1994, with a new intake of Year Sevens each year, until the school became fully selective in 1999. As of 2010, Normanhurst was one of 17 fully

1. Know Thyself With these goals in mind, the school produces graduates that know their strengths and weaknesses, strive to achieve their personal best in all they do and constantly raise the bar to improve and develop skills, grow as human beings and understand and appreciate the world into which they are expected to make a positive contribution.

To do this, a phenomenal number of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are offered in conjunction with the regular curriculum. These activities allow all students to gain an enriched education and challenge themselves in sometimes unique circumstances.

In the creative and performing arts, students are offered overseas cultural tours to such destinations as London, Paris, Rome and New York. They are also offered experience in musical productions where their acting, singing, dancing and technical theatre skills can be learned or honed. Artistic talents are also encouraged with the school’s annual art exhibition hotly contested by many budding artists.

Music is an area of excellence with the concert and stage bands performing regularly in community events and in the media. Students of all ability levels are encouraged to contribute with gifted students regularly attaining the top results at HSC level.

Public Speaking and Debating dominate the landscape with students offered a variety of experiences that test their oracy and thinking skills in both prepared and 6 |

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selective schools in New South Wales. The school, affectionately known as “Normo,” celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008.

Although an academically selective high school, Normanhurst Boys High school does much more than act as an ATAR factory for the university sector, a belief commonly held by some outside the school. Philosophically, the school aims to provide a holistic education with three goals in mind.

2. Personal Best 3. Raise the Bar

impromptu environments. Success in the Lions Youth of the Year Competition, open to all students from all systems of education, has seen Normanhurst Boys High School produce several champions including, in 2014, the NSW state winner.

Students with a talent in creative writing are catered for through the annual Creative Writers’ Camp where they spend several days working with professional writers to develop their craft. In addition, the creators of high quality picture books go on tour to the local primary schools and day care centres and face up to the toughest of critics.

As a leader in gifted and talented boys’ education, the use of technology in learning is vital. Robotics is offered as an optional extra with students able to design and build their own robots and enter them in state wide competitions. Others design their own television advertisement in English or learn lighting and sound in drama courses,which has seen several students enter the television industry upon graduation. In the sciences, the school is well known for its successes in titration and the promotion of environmental sustainability.

Leadership opportunities are also available to all students through an active SRC and Prefect body which focus on social justice issues and in making contributions to various charities. It is not unusual for the frail in local aged care facilities to have a visit from, or conversation with, one of our students, or, the homeless to be fed by a volunteer from Normanhurst Boys High School.

Of course none of this would be possible without the dedication of the teachers who provide numerous hours of unpaid time to allow all the extra activities to occur in the first place, but who also set the bar high for academic achievement.

As one of the most outstanding academic all boys schools in the state, it is the time teachers are prepared to invest time in their students and the appropriate differentiation of the curriculum that allows for HSC success.

For boys, knowing that they matter and that someone genuinely cares about them and is prepared to get to know them as distinct individuals rather than just a number in a system, is pivotal to our overall success. Boys need to know that their school has a backbone, but they also need to know it has a backbone with a heart. It is the outstanding teacher – student relationships where mentoring

Teacher of the Month How long have you been teaching?

I began teaching in 1978, making this my thirty-seventh year.

What is the key function of your role?

The role of Director of Studies involves the academic management of the school. In essence this revolves around curriculum and assessment. However, far from sitting in the ether, thinking profound things about the “big picture”, my role is very hands on.

Each day commences with covering Director of Studies absent staff; even after sixteen years Trinity Grammar School of doing this every day, anticipation of the challenges the day may bring still elicits an adrenalin rush when the alarm goes off at 4:45 am. I personally do all our Board of Studies entries and maintain them, making myself responsible for ensuring that our students maintain their eligibility for their particular stage. I ensure that we are compliant with respect to curriculum, assessment and credentialing. A major annual focus is selection of subjects for the new Years 8, 9, 11 and 12. A great deal of my time is spent dealing with small matters, which are nonetheless important for those concerned – talking to parents when students have difficulties or challenges, answering questions, facilitating subject changes and the like. A very significant responsibility is to communicate with parents and students. Much in Education is complex, and it is our professional responsibility to make it comprehensible to our school communities. I do this via a regular column in our weekly newsletter, other publications, parent information evenings, and email. Email! Like everyone today, a huge chunk of time is invested in keeping up with the email traffic; so often it carries urgent queries and requests, vital information, and important tasks, and thus cannot be ignored or even delayed.

Over and above this, I teach two classes, and still love the classroom, especially teaching Ancient History, which has been my passion since I was a Year 11 student in 1971.

Alan Harper

and careers support, especially in the senior years and student learning support overall, that also play a major role in student success at Normanhurst Boys High School.

So whilst Normanhurst Boys High School as a selective school will always be judged on its academic results, which are consistently high, it is a great school for many other reasons: Students feel welcome and know that the staff cares about them. Although there is pressure to perform, it comes in a way that promotes learning, with an expectation that students will excel and the support is provided to make it happen;

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Only one’s personal best is good enough.

Quality is expected, and nothing less is acceptable. A passion for excellence is a driving force each and every day;

Our dedicated teachers work to improve their ability to teach. They read and explore the techniques used by others in a never-ending effort to better themselves and their skill.

They are effective teachers because they are knowledgeable in their subject area and have a detailed understanding of what is being taught;

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Individualised instruction and approaches to students is fundamental. Students’ abilities and needs are different. NBHS endeavours to effectively cater for all students through a vast extra-curricular offering. The teaching and interactions with students must reflect the needs of each, with the understanding of each as an individual.

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What has been most satisfying experience in your career to date?

My greatest satisfaction has been working with colleagues in a variety of forums. Of course I enjoy working with students – that is the stuff of teaching – but students come and go. However, in teaching, I have met some wonderful educators, both among the various school staffs of which I have been a member, and through professional associations. While I belong to many such associations, those in which I have invested most have been the Australian College of Educators, the Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales, and the AHISA Directors of Studies network group. In each, I have found passionate, knowledgeable colleagues, from whom I have gained immeasurably. Few professions offer the satisfaction inherent in being among so many fine colleagues.

What are your dreams and ambitions in the space of education?

My personal ambition has been fulfilled: I have been Director of Studies in two schools, spanning a period of twenty-one years. That is my dream job, and as I approach retirement, there is no emptiness or frustration of an unrealised professional aspiration. However, my dream for the “space of education” is that – whatever their underpinnings, jurisdictions, or governance / system – all schools be places of rich learning, led by passionate and highly educated teachers, but tempered by compassion and a genuine care for students, that permeates the fabric of the school but is not restricted by it.

Is your Teacher our next Teacher of the Month? If so, please email us why you think they are fantastic and a photo (with their permission) and we will feature them in our next issue. Email it to editor@educationtimes.com.au

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education times Success Story to new customers, new engineers and discuss ideas.

Kate Burleigh

Intel’s former marketing lead and now the new managing director of this giant in the IT industry. his month, we were extremely fortunate to interview Kate Burleigh from Intel who shares with us her journey to achieving success

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of a balance. This will help create the engineers and inventers of the future who could go on to work for or even create the next Intel.

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So, can you tell me about your journey from the beginning to becoming CEO of Intel?

Well it’s a pretty long journey I have to say! I didn’t necessarily know I wanted to work with computers originally but I did know I wanted to work for an international company. By the time I finished university the computer industry was really starting to take off so it was lucky that I ended up at Intel.

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During this journey, what has been your biggest challenge? How did you go about conquering that challenge?

I would say the biggest challenge we face at Intel is to help people understand the technology. It’s very difficult to make something so sophisticated and complicated sound simple so that people can understand and make the right choice for them when purchasing a computer.

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What would you say is the best part of the education system in Australia and what is lacking?

I think the best part about the education system in Australia is that it’s very open. Students get to work to do a lot of collaboration projects where they work together and explore ideas. It leads to students who have creative minds and who are not afraid to try new and different ways of thinking. On the flipside, I would like to see more of a focus on STEM subjects, so that we have more

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What do you think is the future of technology in education? How do think this would impact on students’ life and their learning?

Technology can be used in all classrooms, not just the computer lab.

It can help in all subjects by helping to make things more dynamic. What excites me the most is the ability for all teachers to embrace computer technology, not as in the computer itself, but what it can enable.

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Tell us a bit about Intel’s education program, its contribution to community and future goals.

We’re very focused on that if we don’t have the next generation of students coming up that have a passion for computing and innovation, we might just stop where we are, which no company wants. It’s human nature to improve and come up with better ways of doing things, not just in computers but life in general.

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What is your educational background and how has that helped with your career? What are the key factors required to be successful?

I went to many different schools, which did have its problems, but on the upside it made me resilient and very used to change. It also gave me the ability to meet new people and this helped in business as you’re always having to talk

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How did your non-profit work, at organisations such as Red Cross, help prepare you for the industry you work in now?

It actually helped me a lot. Red Cross was my first job after university so I was relatively inexperienced. They didn’t have a great amount of staff so this meant I got to do a whole lot of stuff, which is the best way to learn. It also opened my mind to the fact that we are not all born into the same privilege and that this really heightens your ability to understand its not all about business and reaching goals but to really help enrich the lives of people worldwide.

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As you hold a position of great responsibility, what would your advice be to anyone who is, or is hoping to become, a leader of some sort?

My advice is to be prepared to take risks with your career. If someone is talking to you about a new job, you should trust that they see potential in you, even if you think you may not be up to the job.

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What is a typical day like for a managing director?

Lots of meetings! I try to divide my day up so one third external meeting and another third is internal meetings. The final third is on keeping myself educated as the IT industry moves so fast, I have to make sure I am up to date with all the latest concepts.

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What advice or words or wisdom would you like to five to any of our readers to have a successful and for those interested in a career in IT? My definite advice is to keep a focus on your STEM based subjects but keep a balance around that creative thinking, as IT is a lot to do with problem solving.

To people in general, be ready to change roles a lot and prepared to travel as the world is becoming more globalised and we have to import and export ideas around the world.

To watch the full interview visit www.educationtimes.com.au

The Australian

education times Focus on University

Returning to

Study?

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eturning to education as a mature student can be a nerve wracking experience for anyone. It can be difficult finding a productive balance between work/family life and a new demanding commitment. However, further education, such as postgraduate study, can be an extremely rewarding venture.

If you are unsure about embarking upon postgraduate study as a mature student, it would be beneficial to consider the benefits. Here are some: Further education gives the opportunity to explore new fields with a view to a potential career change.

Studying broadens your knowledge base and can help you to develop new skills that you never knew were possible previously.

It gives you a second chance to build a network and find new friends.

It can be a very personal and enjoyable experience that provides healthy challenges and structure to your life.

You must first complete an approved preparation course – offered at TAFE – which can be completed in 1 year – 6 months. Following this, you are eligible to enroll on some, but not all, courses.

Some of the more popular options include: • Bachelor of Arts (Languages) • Any of the Combined Law degrees • Any of the Combined Law degrees • Any of the Combined Medicine degrees • Bachelor of Pharmacy • Bachelor of Psychology

If you haven’t previously completed any form of higher education, such as an undergraduate degree, then there are alternative pathways into university. For example, The University of Sydney offers a Mature-Age Entry Scheme, which allows people with no record of tertiary education to enroll in certain courses.

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education times FOCUS ON UNIVERSITY

Balancing work, life and study

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he transition from high school to university can be a daunting one. Moving out of home, finding a part-time job, organising your study schedule, and managing your

social itinerary are just some of the changes students are faced with when commencing tertiary education.

It is very important to find a balance between work, life and study, as it

Financial pressure

Time management

Studying at university can be very expensive.

Besides the cost of enrolling in a degree, students are often required to purchase textbooks and equipment, find a place to live that is either on or closer to their university’s campus, organise their own transport, and gain casual or part-time employment to ease their financial burden.

Juggling your time effectively between study, work and social activities can be tricky. The loss of routine and structure can be hard to regain independently, as procrastination, disinterest and distractions affect your ability to time manage.

Ways to balance your lifestyle track Use a diary or university planner to s and task e ritis prio t, men your time manage set goals. time Create a study timetable and allocate will This ent. for each subject and assessm cate allo to time help you decide how much for other activities. how Learn how to budget. Be aware of are you t wha and ding spen much you are re futu for e ulat calc and on, spending it expenses. facilities Become aware of your university’s range a r offe ties and services. All universi ding inclu ices of student support serv as counselling and learning advice, as well flexible study options. id Listen to your personal needs. Avo lly burning yourself out mentally, physica k wor and emotionally by letting study and re leisu take over your life. Make time for and relaxation.

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will keep you happy and productive.

Learning to balance your lifestyle while studying at university is also beneficial in preparing you for future full-time employment.

Adapting to a new environment Moving to a new town or city to study at university is a huge decision. The pressure of leaving your loved ones coupled with meeting new people and trying to fit in can be hard to bear.

The Australian

education times TAFE FOCUS

When the alternative pathway is best!

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AFE is becoming more and more recognised as the gateway to success. More students are opting to go from school to TAFE before going to university or settling into a career.

Why? Because the skills and knowledge that you gain during education can be recognised and even can be credited towards your future studies and qualifications.

TAFE now offers University Pathways which means that you can obtain a Bachelors degree a number ways should you not be get the ATAR that you originally needed to get into Uni. These pathways include: • A Foundation Program • A Diploma – to – Degree Program (D2D) • Or through Articulation (Credit Transfer)

TAFE Pathways is not only for 18 year olds. TAFE also offers Non-school leaver entry pathways that may provide you with an opportunity to enter your chosen course. In order to be eligible for this pathway, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be aged 23 years or older on the timely application closing date for the intake you are applying for (early June for mid-year entry; late September for Semester 1 entry) • Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident, or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa • Have no qualifications from the past seven years that could be used as a basis for your application* • Meet course prerequisites and satisfy any other extra requirements • Demonstrate your likelihood to succeed in tertiary study by achieving competitive results in a specified aptitude test, or through the University’s Community Access Program (CAP).

It is recommended that you speak to a Careers Adviser at the TAFE Campus that you wish to enrol at in order to ensure that your chosen Pathway is best for you. You may also find out some additional information that could be of great benefit to you and increase your chances of getting into a course or succeeding in a chosen career.

TAFE is cheap. Indeed TAFE is generally so much cheaper for students to study at that students who are very concerned about meeting the costs of attending university should consider doing part, or all of their university qualification at TAFE.

ram Foundation Pratiog onal students

TAFE NSW offers intern Certificate or TPC the Tertiary Preparation qualification (Certificate 4) as an entry s. In this way to bachelor degree course e benefit as a the TPC provides the sam Foundation program.

TPC study a Students enrolling in the glish language core of units including En team skills, and learning, study skills, and information ethical practice in study technology. are selected In addition, elective units c mi study areas: from the following acade Media Studies, • English: Literature, Creative Arts ral Mathematics, • Mathematics: Gene matics, Statistics, Advanced Mathe Calculus ntal Science, • Science: Environme cs, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Physi Health Legal Studies, • Humanities: History, Political.

Diploma – to – Degree Program (D2D)

TAFE NSW Diploma-to-D egree (D2D) university pathway progra ms allow students to enter a Bache lor Degree program with guarantee d credit at leading Australian unive rsities.

Students who successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Accounting at TAFE NSW can gain en try into the Australian Catholic Unive rsity and receive up to 1.5 years cre dit towards a Bachelor of Commerce de gree (a threeyear course).

Articulation (Credit Transfer) edit

(cr TAFE NSW has articulation number a h wit nts me ree ag transfer) s. This of Australian universitie dies at TAFE means your previous stu by these NSW may be recognised universities.

NSW In most study areas, TAFE as lom Dip Diplomas and Advanced ty rsi ive help you gain entry to un ear and e-y on n ee tw be you and give ba a chelor. two years credit towards grams these However, unlike D2D pro nts don’t credit transfer agreeme you a place at automatically guarantee university The Australian Education Times

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The Australian

education times ICT for Education

Using the internet to help your head! headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. They help young people who are going through a tough time.

Looking for someone to talk to? If you’re 12-25, you can get health advice, support and information from head space.

With more than 60 cen tres around Australia, head space can help you with: General health Mental health and counse lling Education, employmen t and other services Alcohol and other drug services.

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So headspace is here for you if you: ed or can’t stop worrying are feeling down, stress lf for a long time haven’t felt like yourse finding it difficult to can’t deal with school or concentrate d about your health are feeling sick or worrie r drinking or drug use want to cut down on you ps lity, identity or relationshi want to talk about sexua h friendships are having difficulties wit t s or want to find out abou have sexual health issue contraception or harassed are being bullied, hurt g or study or if you’re havin are worried about work money trouble

headspace is a place you can go to talk to someone about any of these issues.

The primary focus of headspace is the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians. headspace know that getting help early is the key to resolving these problems quickly. headspace is making a difference where it is needed most our young people.

This fantastic website has case studies, links to many, many resources and much more that is perfect for anyone that is concerned with a Mental Health problem. It is also perfect for those people who are withdrawn and don’t want to speak to anyone. headspace provides you with online help which make it easier to make that first step of sharing your worries with another

The Australian

education times Technology Treats

TOTEES BALL AMAZ APPS!!!!!

Do Pandas Wear Pants?

North Face Explorer A nifty app that is far more than just a catalogue for North Face’s products.

Through the use of leaderboards and challenges, you can beat targets, win weekly prizes and collect a load of badges, plus it can track your journeys through GPS, keeping tabs on your progress and seeing how you can improve. This is a great tool that can be used for PDHPE, Science and HSIE. North Face Explorer is Free on both iOS and Android

Do pandas wear pants? In this adorable app they do! Build your preschooler’s matching skills by asking him to help the animals find their pants (in the right size, of course) in the beautifully illustrated nature scene. Along the way, your child can learn fun facts about the 12 different animals and where they live. The app is available in English, Spanish, French, and German and helps build early literacy skills across those languages.

Do Pandas wear Pants is free on iPad

ChatterPix Kids ChatterPix Kids is a free iPad app that students can use to turn pictures into talking pictures. To create a talking picture just snap a picture with your iPad or import a picture from your iPad’s camera roll. After taking the picture just draw in a face and tap the record button to make your picture talk. Your recording can be up to thirty seconds in length. Before publishing your talking picture you can add fun stickers, text, and frames to your picture. Finished Chatter Pix projects are saved to your camera roll and from there you can export it to a number of services including YouTube.

ChatterPix Kids doesn’t require students to create an account in order to use the service. Using the app could be a great way to get students to bring simple stories to life.

ICT Metalanguage Have you tried to assist your children in understanding their assignments and wonder what some of the jargon means?

Here is a list of terms that will help you decipher them when helping your child: 4G is a collection of fourth generation cellular data technologies. It succeeds 3G and is also called “IMT-Advanced,” or “International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced.”

Dashboard of widgets is accessed by clicking the Dashboard application icon, or by simply pressing a keyboard shortcut (F12 by default). Clicking a plus “+” icon in the lower-left hand corner of the screen provides the user with a list of all installed widgets. Clicking the widgets or dragging them onto the desktop makes them active.

Favourites While most Web browsers store saved webpage locations as bookmarks, Internet Explorer saves them as favorites. For example, when you save a webpage location in Firefox, it gets stored as a bookmark.

Hard copy is a printed document. It may be a text file, photograph, drawing, or any other type of printable file. For example, instead of e-mailing a business memo, it may be sent out as a hard copy, or an actual physical paper containing the memo.

LinkWhen you are browsing the Web and you see a highlighted and underlined word or phrase on a page, there is a good chance you are looking at a link.

P2PStands for “Peer to Peer.” In a P2P network, the “peers” are computer systems which are connected to each other via the Internet. Files can be shared directly between systems on the network without the need of a central server.

Hassle Me Perfect for Uni students and particularly those who are the forgetful type, Hassle Me will literally hassle you to get stuff done, from finishing up your work to picking up something for dinner. It’s quick, with a simple layout and you are able to customise the amount of times per day it will hassle you. A handy notification will also pop up in the live tile, alerting you of any outstanding to-dos, meaning a quick glance will all but remind you.

Hassle Me is free to download

Tablet, or tablet PC, is a portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its primary input device. Most tablets are slightly smaller and weigh less than the average laptop.

Workstation is a place where work gets done. It refers to a computer (and often the surrounding area) that has been configured to perform a certain set of tasks, such as photo editing, audio recording, or video production.

Noelene Callaghan Noelene is an ICT Teacher at Rooty Hill High School, a member of the ICTENSW and a Councillor of The Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales

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’ve been wondering what this new 3-D printing thing is all about.

Well, in keeping with its name, the 21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference, which just concluded in New

Paltz at the State University of New York, had a cool demo of it. SUNY has state-ofthe-art 3-D printers. Daniel Freedman, the Dean of the School of Science and Engineering, gave a brief luncheon talk

Main concerns: (1.) Will it fry my brain right away, or will the damage show up in 20 years; (2.) Will the head come out looking like those little shrunken heads we were so repelled and fascinated by as kids.

Soon, the glass box starts to make some noise and comes alive, and slowly, over about 30 minutes, in thin layers, prints the “image.” The white material, a kind of lightweight poly substance, was wrapped around a spool behind the machine – it was like thick thread (diameter maybe 1/8”). Lots of substances can be used, including gold (for jewelry!). Apparently, this technology is already being implemented to make crowns for teeth.

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about it. Sally Isaacs and Lionel Bender, conference co-chairs, wanted a faculty member for a demo, and after the Dean’s talk, asked me if I’d volunteer to model for it.

At the appointed time I show up, as does the professor, his nice assistant, and a bunch of conference attendees. I sit on a chair, super still, and they’ll use a hand-held scanner.

Scanning goes on for about 1-1.5 minutes, with the lady scanning sides, top and front of my head in maybe 2-3 passes, with the scanner held about 30 inches away.

Gettin

3-D

The tiny Roxie “sculpture” has a flat back, where it was lying on the bed of the printer, and was built up from there – ending on the nose.

(Although, you can see below that the nose was a little cut off…) The 3-D print can be made larger, but that takes longer. The larger it is, the better the quality, up to almost full head size; then as you make it even larger, quality decreases.

So this was a bit of an adventure – no harm done and we learned a lot. Very cool of the Nonfiction Conference folks to have arranged this. I’ll have a more extensive report on the Conference, which was totally fabulous!

By: Roxie Munro

ng your head

D printed The Australian Education Times

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SUNDAY

NSW BANK HOLIDAY

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

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My Reminders:

A special pullout to help parents and students understand Mental Health issues

Mental Health If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.

Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side.

It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.

― Stephen Fry

Mental Health What is Mental Health Exactly?

Depression Symptoms and who it affects

Other Mental Health Diseases A close up of Anxiety and Eating Disorders

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PULL OUT

What is Mental Health Exactly?

W

hen mental health problems last for long periods of time and begin to significantly change a person’s daily life, it is possible that a mental illness is developing. Mental illness refers to a range of issues which may affect someone’s thoughts, feelings, actions and/or memory.

These issues are longer lasting than mental health problems and cause more distress and disruption to life. Although mental illness can occur at any age, anxiety disorders and depression are quite common problems for young people.

Some of the things to lo for if you are worried abok out out someone are:

• New, noticeable and pe rsistent changes that last at least a few weeks

Causes of Mental Health Illnesses

ought st mental illnesses are th Mo Obvious and persistent ch of factors anges in: to be caused by a variety • Behaviour - for exam ple, including: appetite, sleep, use of dr erited ugs, • Biological factors - inh change in school perform or environmental ance, avoiding school/work, wi thdrawal • Negative early life from people : experiences - for example • Thinking - for example a of , abuse, neglect, death poor concentration, poor d relative or other losses an motivation, constant wo rrying, trauma preoccupation, hearing or seeing • Individual factors - for things that are not there way example: self-esteem or • Feelings - for example , of thinking unhappiness, depression, nces Current social circumsta irritability, fear, anger, los • s of - school, work, financial, pleasure ess, relationship or family str or negative life events 18 |

The Australian Education Times

There are a number of mental illnesses including: • Depression • Anxiety • Eating Disorders • Psychosis • Self harm • Alcohol and other drug issues

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PULL OUT

Mental Health Issues in Younger Children

K

ids Matter is an organisation that works with Australian primary schools and Australian families to assist with our younger children cope with their mental health issues. Kids Matters help students cope with personal family issues as well as those that stem from the classroom.

Through KidsMatter, primary schools undertake a twoto three-year cyclical process in which they plan and take action to be a positive community; one that is founded on respectful relationships and a sense of belonging and inclusion, and that promotes: • social and emotional learning (including evidencebased social and emotional learning programs) • working authentically with parents, carers and families • support for students who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.

As a national initiative, KidsMatter Primary, through its national and state and territory teams, provides a range of resources and support to all interested primary schools.

These are provided free of charge. KidsMatter is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health.

Mental health and wellbeing is vital for learning and life.

Children who are mentally healthy learn better, benefit from life experiences and have stronger relationships with family members, school staff and peers. Good mental health in childhood also provides a solid foundation for: • managing the transition to adolescence and adulthood • engaging successfully in education • making a meaningful contribution to society.

School is the most significant developmental context, after family, for primary school-aged children. Schools play a crucial role in building children's self esteem and sense of competence. They can also act as a safety net and assist in protecting children from circumstances that affect their learning, development and wellbeing.

Some possible reasons that lead to Mental Health problems in younger children: At home: • • • • • • • • • •

A parent loses a job Parents separate/divorce Family loses their home Family moves home Death in the family Serious illness High levels of family conflict Trauma and abuse Having a parent with mental problems Family financial problems

At school: • • • • • • •

Friendship group breaks up Friend leaves the school Friends have more possessions Friends have access to more technology Bullying Cyberbullying Isolation (having no friends)

Mental Health issues in young chidren: ADHD Anxiety Autism Body Image Depression School Refusal Self harm Trauma

For information about Kids Matter can be found at

http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/

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PULL OUT

Depression What are normal feelings and what’s depression?

We all feel ‘down’ or sad from time to time - it’s part of being human. ‘Sadness’ is a reaction to something in particular, like a relationship break-up. ‘Depression’ means that feelings of sadness last longer than normal, affect most parts of your life, and stop you enjoying the things that you used to.

There are a several different types of depression. Major depression usually happens in episodes, when depressed feelings build up slowly over a few weeks. Young people often have mood swings (feeling ‘up’ sometimes as well as ‘down’) and may be more irritable and sensitive than usual. This means major depression is sometimes hard to diagnose, being mistaken for normal adolescent moods.

Typical symptoms of e: depressionunhainppclineud ss, moodiness and

• Feelings of s emptiness or irritability, and sometime numbness asure in activities that • Losing interest and ple you once enjoyed weight (but sometimes • Loss of appetite and put on weight) people ‘comfort eat’ and , or over-sleeping and • Either trouble sleeping day staying in bed most of the d motivation an y erg en of k • Tiredness, lac se • Feeling worried or ten g and making decisions tin tra cen • Difficulty con s or guilty • Feeling bad, worthles self-blaming d an cal • Being self-criti y thoughts, including • Having dark and gloom cide thoughts of death or sui

e of depression but Dysthymia is a milder typ d can last for months or it is often continuous an ymia might still be able years. People with dysth ay tasks, but with less to perform their day-to-d enjoyment. Dysthymia interest, confidence and , appetite, energy and also interferes with sleep concentration. ur as part of bipolar Depression can also occ disorder. l might have other menta People with depression ty xie an as h ms as well, suc or physical health proble ttes, alcohol or illegal are cig or excessive use of drugs.

Getting help for depression

It’s important to talk about your problems. Ask for help and speak to someone you trust, whether a parent, teacher, school counsellor, family member or friend.

A general practitioner (doctor) is a good place to start when seeking help and information.

Most people are able to recover from depression when they receive professional treatment. Treatments are usually based on psychological (‘talking’) therapy, adding medications when they are needed. Depending on the type of treatment, most people start to feel better or notice an improvement, after about two to six weeks.

Healthy eating and exercise can help improve your mood. Try relaxation techniques, writing down your feelings, reducing stress and avoiding alcohol and other drugs, but remember that some days will be better than others. Overcoming depression can take time, especially if it has been around for a while and has become a ‘way of life’.

Depression and suicide If you or your friend is depressed and may be at risk of suicide, they need urgent help. If someone seems to be thinking about suicide, try to arrange some support from close, trusted friends or family, and try to encourage them to see a health professional.

You can call your local hospital or mental health service for support. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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PULL OUT

I

f someone asked, “what can you do to promote mental health?” What would you think? What are the actions that you would take?

Often, when people think about promoting mental health, they think about responding to an individual’s experience of mental illness.

Promoting mental health is about improving everyone’s mental health and wellbeing by improving their social and the physical environment.

Schools and early childhood settings already promote mental health by providing access to education, a sense of belonging, and the development of social and emotional skills – these are all protective factors for children and young people’s wellbeing. At the same time, poor attachment, peer rejection, and experiences of bullying and discrimination all contribute to poor mental health.

An early childhood setting or school that th promotes mental heal to e ac pl has strategies in sustain:

• safe, inclusive and empowering environments • social and emotional learning d • family, community an s hip service partners and • integrated promotion planning • building capacity to promote mental health.

Mental Health in Schools Safe, inclusive and em powering environments

Environments that promo te mental health are safe, inclusive and empowerin g Mental health promoti ng environments are sa because they: fe • support a range of op portunities for learning an d physical activity • foster safe, respectful and supportive relationships between chi ldren and young people, educators and families • have strategies to pro mote positive and responsible behaviour, an d to prevent and respond to bullying, discri mination and harassment, including thr ough the use of digital technologies.

Mental health promoti ng environments are inclusive because they : • value children and you ng people for who they are • support and promote the physical and mental wellbeing of staff Mental health promoti ng environments are empowering because th ey: • create opportunities for children and young people’s voices to be res pected and to contribute to decisions that impact on their wellbeing, learning and environment.

nal learning Social and emotio and young people rning supports children Social and emotional lea d to have positive relationships an ain int ma to lls ski op vel to de otional stressors. resilience to social and em

These skills are:

s nise and manage emotion • self-awareness: recog others for n cer con velop care and • social awareness: de applying d an g din an rst making: unde • responsible decision decision making skills ns effectively; ndle challenging situatio • self-management: ha h and bility for their own healt take increasing responsi physical wellbeing ctful ablish positive and respe • relationship skills: est form ps; shi on ati rel ng adult relationships; build trusti /s. tor uca ed t ten and consis attachment to a familiar The Australian Education Times

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PULL OUT

What's anxiety?

ant 'Anxiety' is like 'worry'. It's an unpleas time e som emotion that most people feel at Mild es. when they're faced with challeng t anxiety, like just before a sporting even at orm or an exam, can help people perf more their best. But when anxiety becomes er long a intense, causes distress, lasts for it's then g, time and interferes with daily livin a problem. faster Physical feelings of anxiety include a ion, tens cle heart rate, faster breathing, mus the in sweating, shaking, and 'butterflies ptoms stomach'. In a 'panic attack', these sym s ptom sym are very severe. Other common of anxiety are: s Persistent worrying and excessive fear Being unable to relax Avoiding challenging situations Excessive shyness Being socially isolated or withdrawn Trouble concentrating and paying attention • Poor sleep ily life • Problems with work, social or fam

• • • • • •

Types of anxiety disorder Some types of anxiety disorders include: • Generalised anxiety disorder: Lots of worry about things, such as work, money, relationships • Specific phobias: Intense fear of a particular situation or object, like spiders or small spaces. This fear often leads you to avoid the situation or object • Panic disorder: Having panic attacks and worry about having another panic attack • Social phobia: Continuing, excessive fear of being embarrassed in social situations, being judged badly by other people, or being criticised or ‘put down’ • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, and compulsions are unwanted actions that can result.

A common obsession is worry about dirt or contagious diseases.

Common compulsions are hand-washing, counting objects and arranging things in a specific pattern • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Symptoms can include ‘replaying’ unwanted memories in your mind, trouble sleeping, and checking for danger

s Other problem s of anxiety problems also have symptom

Many young people with depression at the same time. hol or take drugs to ease the Some people with anxiety drink alco e confident. This can make discomfort or to make them feel mor rs up the problem rather than things worse in the long run, as it cove dealing with it.

Anxiety

About one in every ten young Australians aged 18-25 will have problems with anxiety. For young people aged 13-17, the figure is about one in every twenty five.

Getting help for anxiety

Different types of anxiety disorder need slightly different treatment. One approach, used for people with panic disorder, social phobia and generalised anxiety disorder, is to talk about how your thoughts influence your emotions.

For some people, medication is helpful as well.

• Tell your family and friends about your difficulties so they can support you • Try to eat healthily, exercise and find ways to relax by listening to music, reading and doing activities that you enjoy • Avoid alcohol and other drugs as they often make anxiety worse in the long run and can lead to addiction problems • Seek some help from a doctor, psychologist or counsellor

ne with anxietandy Helping someolem s needs understanding

A person with anxiety prob treatment, so it’s support. Anxiety can be improved with onal help. essi important that the person gets prof s and concerns, fear Be patient and listen to the person’s of telling ter mat a and take them seriously. It’s not just ared to seek prep Be . them to ‘calm down’- it’s not that easy it. d nee you if help or support for yourself as well

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PULL OUT

What are eating disorders?

Concerns about weight, appearance and eating habits are very common. They become a problem when they begin to affect your physical or mental health and well-being. Many young people with an eating disorder do not seek help, but instead try to hide the problems from their family and friends.

Symptoms of eating disorders can include:

• Excessive dieting or overeating • Thinking and talking a lot about body image, body weight and food • Avoiding social situations that involve food • Eating only certain types and amounts of food • Becoming irritable or withdrawing from friends and family • Wearing loose fitting clothing to hide weight loss • Wanting to eat alone • ‘Playing’ with food rather than eating it • Excessive exercise • Feeling faint, dizzy and weak • Going to the bathroom straight after meals • Difficulty concentrating • Often feeling tired and low

Types of eating disorder People with either anorexia or bulimia are preoccupied with body weight and their control over eating.

People with anorexia might:

• Refuse to eat enough food despite being hungry • Have a strong fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though they are underweight • Have inaccurate perceptions of their body • Deny serious weight loss • Stop having menstrual periods (if female) • Exercise excessively • Force themselves to vomit after eating, or use diuretics or laxatives to reduce their weight

People with bulimia might:

• Repeatedly binge eat, consuming large quantities of food that is often high in fat or sugar • Feel out of control when bingeing • Try to make up for binges and avoid weight gain by making themselves vomit, or by using laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise

People with bulimia often have a compulsive cycle of binge/ purge/ exercise/binge. They usually manage to keep to a healthy weight, so the problem is hard for others to recognise.

Health problems from eating disorders Eating disorders can lead to serious physical health problems. Malnutrition or repeated cycles of bingeing and purging can cause damaging changes in the body. Starvation, for example, can lead to osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), kidney problems, headaches, constipation or diarrhoea, fainting and heart problems. Vomiting after eating can expose the teeth to stomach acid and cause decay, and also cause sore throats, heart problems and abdominal pain.

Laxatives can cause either constipation or diarrhoea, as well as dehydration and bowel disease.

Eating disorders can also lead to difficulties in concentrating, then problems in studying or at work. They also increase the chance of having depression, anxiety, substance misuse, irritability and moodiness.

Getting help for an eating disorder If you are worried that a friend or family member has an eating disorder, then first of all let them know that you are worried and care about them. Even if they deny there is a problem and do not want to talk about it, gently encourage them to seek professional help.

Help is available from general practitioners (GPs), school counsellors, psychologists and specialist mental health workers.

Treatment of eating disorders People with eating disorders will benefit from professional help. Keeping the person safe is the first priority. If the weight loss is severe or there are serious health complications, then a stay in hospital may be needed.

Treatment starts with developing a good working relationship with the young person, then moves on to providing information, establishing healthy patterns of eating and exercise, and looking after physical health. Individual counselling, family work and medication (when appropriate) might all be required, usually provided by a treatment team

Eating Disorders The Australian Education Times

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World Mental Health Day Mental health begins with YOU 24 |

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I

t doesn’t matter if you have a mental illness, care for someone with a mental illness, know someone with a mental illness or just care about good mental health, you can be part of this year’s campaign.

Start by writing a mental health promise to yourself. It doesn’t have to be long it just needs to be meaningful to you. Keep it short and achievable. Or you can choose one of the promises we have prepared.

Then upload a photo of yourself, or of something connected to your promise. We have prepared a range of avatars if you prefer not to upload your own image.

Finally, if you provide us with an email address, we can send you a copy of your promise as a jpeg for you to share with your friends, family, school mates and colleagues. It’s not mandatory, but it allows us to provide you with a nice little reminder of your promise.

You can make as many promises as you like, you don’t have to stop at just one! http://1010.org.au/promise/add

The Australian

education times Career of the Month

Engineer W

hat do you get when you put maths, science and technology together?

Engineering is the practice of applying knowledge to solve technical problems. The word engineer comes from the Latin words ingeniare, which means “to devise”, and ingenium, which means “intelligence”.

The role of an engineer is to form links between maths, science, technology, and society by designing systems, structures and materials that satisfy requirements.

The main functions of an engineer are research and analysis, design and development, production and construction, and operation and management. An engineer’s solution is seen as the ultimate solution, as it takes into account all factors associated with the problem, such as time, cost, risk, and quality.

Qualifications to complete d engineer, you will have

To become a qualifie ny dy in a related field. Ma an accredited level of stu as offer rse ove d an a ali str ns in Au universities and institutio ring and ee raduate degrees in engin undergraduate and postg gin en eeringTAFE colleges also offer its different disciplines. hips, and as apprenticeships, cadets related courses, as well traineeships. gineering national accreditor for en Engineers Australia is the al on ning them with internati courses and programs, alig eering mbership forum for engin standards. It is also a me services to high quality training and professionals, and offers y company, tions through its subsidiar individuals and organisa stralia.

Engineering Education Au

Subjects to study at school If you want a taste of engineering or want to better prepare yourse lf for studying enginee ring at a tertiary level, choose subjects in hig h school that are math s, science and technolo gyrelated like Chemistry, Physics and Informatio n Technology.

Types of engineering There are four major types of engineering: chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical. Within these disciplines are many different subdisciplines that are extensions or combinations of the major types.

Electrical engineering is the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism.

Examples of electrical engineering include computer engineering, optical engineering and power engineering.

Chemical engineering involves combining biology, chemistry and physics with mathematics and economics to produce, transform and utilise chemicals, materials and energy. Some of the branches of chemical engineering include molecular engineering, materials engineering and process engineering.

Mechanical engineering focuses on the analysis, design and usage of mechanical systems by applying the principles of engineering, physics and materials science.

Acoustical engineering, thermal engineering and vehicle engineering are all branches of mechanical engineering.

Civil engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and natural environments, and includes projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, and waterways. Types of civil engineering include environmental engineering, structural engineering and transport engineering.

Systems engineering integrates all forms of engineering to design and manage complex projects during their life cycles. It focuses on work processes, risk management and methods for optimisation. There are various types of systems engineering, such as aerospace engineering, industrial engineering and mechatronics.

Is engineering the right career for you?

Are you creative? problems • Do you enjoy solving s? and making decision maths, • Do you enjoy studying science and technology? g and • Do you enjoy designin experimenting? things • Do you enjoy making g an pro that are useful, im vin a idea or object, or finding ng? better way to do somethi attention • Do you have a great to detail? out • Are you passionate ab society? ing improving and evolv

•

Average income of an Engineer $70,882 The Australian Education Times

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education times Test zone

F

How to prepare for the HSC

eeling anxious about exams? Don’t fret! We have put together a very handy survival guide which will have you prepped and ready for the Higher School Certificate.

They are considered by many to be the most important exams in your life, mounting more pressure on your shoulders to do well. However, if you are focused, prepared and have a positive frame of mind, the HSC exams will be a breeze!

Here are some tips on how to be ready and rearing to go when the HSC exams roll around: • Create a study timetable and manage your time effectively. Make sure to balance your study schedule with free time and social activities.

• Write summaries for each subject that cover all of the syllabus points.

Design posters or use palm cards to help you remember formulas and topics, and keep your study notes 26 |

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organised by having a designated folder for each subject.

• Have a go at doing some past HSC papers to test your knowledge and familiarise yourself with the exam formats and the types of questions that are likely to be included. Past HSC exam papers can be accessed from the NSW Board of Studies website at http:// www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/ hsc_exams/.

• Seek help and guidance by meeting with your teachers or seeking the advice of a tutor. HSC exam preparation courses are also available for students to enrol in, and are offered by various institutions including the University of Sydney and Matrix Education.

• Use online resources such as HSC Online (http://www.hsc.csu.

edu.au/), which provide valuable information and effective learning materials for every subject.

Bored of Studies (http://www. boredofstudies.org/) is another great resource that connects students and allows them to share and discuss information about school subjects and the HSC. • Control your study environment by limiting noise and distractions.

• Stay hydrated, eat healthy food and get plenty of sleep! These are all vital for you to perform at your best mentally and physically.

Narinder Parmar

Narinder Parmar is HSIE, Head Teacher, at Smiths Hill High School, Wollongong, NSW.

The Australian

Education Times INSIDE SCHOOLS

Too Cool @ Primary School

National Simultaneous Storytime At Parkmore Primary school, the national simultaneous storytime annual event which is now in its fourteenth year and is an important campaign designed to encourage more children to read and enjoy books kicked off.

School

This year’s story was Too Many Elephants in This House’ (by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrations by Andrew Joyner). Our students enjoyed the experience, not least by Mr Hallett’s very funny character voices!

Tertiary School

Secondary School

“Remote Control Labs--The Future of High School Science?”

At Terra Sancta College, Year 7 Classes teamed up to learn how applications, computer games and all computer programs are actually created. In this digital age many jobs do not only require the use of digital technology but also computer programming skills. According to the US department of labour 65% of the jobs our students will be working in, have not even been created yet and it is expected that many of these careers will involve digital technology.

This was a fun and interactive way for students to be introduced to these skills. Using the Khan academy “Hour of Code”,

Australian high-school students are turning their backs on science [Goodrum 2012]. Teachers have pinpointed the lack of resources available to run engaging practical classes as a key reason behind this malaise. This is especially true in rural, regional and low socioeconomic status schools. But equipping every school would require a huge economic commitment.

The internet may present a solution by allowing students to remotely operate equipment located at centralised ‘laboratory hubs’. The FARLabs (Freely-Accessible Remote Laboratories) program was launched in October 2013 and is already being accessed by 185 schools across the country. Is this the future of highschool science?

Year 7 Learn How to Computer Code in Just One Hour! students learnt how to instruct the computer to generate 2 dimensional shapes of a size and location on the screen that they specified using computer programming language.

They also learnt how to add colour to those shapes and the background.

Students were also required to problem solve and use reasoned thinking strategies.

Is your school doing something fabulous? Why not share it with us. Simply write a 200 word article on your event and attach an image (in a jpeg format) and send it to editor@educationtimes.com.au The Australian Education Times

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The Australian

education times literacy corner

literacy corner Daily Information Digest

MONDAY - 4th August, 2014 BUSINESS

POLITICS

ECONOMICS

SCIENCE

ENGINEERING

Today - 8 Degrees / Sunny MEDICING

INDUSTRY

ECOLOGY

Focus on Universities

Curriculum Link

ICT For Education

Whats new in tertiary education

How everything you do can be linked to a subject at school

Time to learn the latest apps, techs and more

TOP STORY

H

Writing NEWSpapers

ear ye’ hear ye’!

Writing newspapers a fantastic way of building literacy skills!

Although town criers may be a thing of the past and we have well and truly entered the digital age, newspapers are still an important and popular method of reading the news and staying up to date with local events. And let’s not forget the Sudokus.

Newspapers are traditionally print publications that are distributed regularly and frequently. Their purpose is to disseminate news on a wide variety of current global and local events. Modern newspa-

pers first appeared in 17th century Europe after the printing press was invented by Johann Gutenberg in the 1450’s.

The process of writing and editing a newspaper is a

TECHNOLOGY Being part of a student newspaper is a fun and engaging way to meet people, develop new skills and increase social and civic awareness. Writing for a publication encourages literacy skills by providing opportunities for students to conduct interviews, carry out independent research and re28 |

fast-paced and exciting job which requires tremendous teamwork and paramount verbal and written communication skills. The news is gathered and then written up

by reporters. Photographers shoot pictures to accompany the stories and graphic artists contribute charts and diagrams. Editors assign reporters to stories, check over those stories, write headlines for them, determine where they will be placed in the newspaper and work on the paper’s ‘layout’, being the arrangement of stories, photographs and art on each page.

An editor-in-chief or an executive editor usually supervises the paper’s news staff while the newspaper’s publisher has overall control of its business and news operations.

ANALYTICS port using journalistic writing. Unlike creative writing, journalistic writing is a style designed to communicate and present its information in terms of relevance and importance. The ‘inverted pyramid’ is often used by journalists to represent how to structure a news story.

The Australian Education Times

To hone your children’s newspaper writing skills, practice at home by making your own Household Herald. Before you begin, read and analyse some newspaper articles together, making notes on how professional reporters write. Encourage your kids to report on family events and outings, invent

catchy headlines and put a spin on controversial stories.

Did the dog eat the homework? Which washing liquid gets the best results? Are cockatoos the bin raiding culprits? Be sure to include the most vital information first, namely the five Ws – Who, What, When, Where and Why.

The Australian

education times magic maths

F

or many students, math produces feelings of dread and anxiety. In the classroom, kids fear being humiliated if they don’t know how to solve a math problem or come up with the wrong answer. They feel pressured by their teachers, peers, and time constraints. Using technology to learn math removes these barriers and helps students find their comfort zone. So, it makes sense to turn to technology as an educational tool, especially if your kids are having trouble.

It is common for students to have trouble or need extra practice before fully understanding a lesson, especially with math. Math lessons follow a progression, so if your kids don’t have a solid understanding of the basics, or if they don’t quite grasp a concept, they may have difficulty later. It’s important to try and identify trouble areas early, or your child could develop “math anxiety.”

The best way to eliminate math anxiety is to present the exercises in a non-threatening way. If you find that your children are feeling defeated before opening a math book, try turning to technology to help them conquer their math fears. Oftentimes, computers can open doors in a way that textbooks can’t. And since computers have endless patience, they promote a can-do attitude instead of resistance.

Technology brings the material to life, making use of sight and sound to create an interactive learning experience.

Time4Learning math lessons are taught by engaging characters in colorful, fun activities. For example, 3rd grade students learn “Parts of a Set or a Whole” in the Fractions & Decimals chapter as Frank and his pizzeria employees guide them through “Frank’s Fraction Pizzeria.”

The entertaining voices and visuals bring math lessons to life, sparking students’ curiosity and imagination. So if your child is having trouble with math or any other subject in school, you might want to try a computer-based curriculum as an alternative to tutoring.

Students can also learn math from some popular games. Back in the day, we learned basic math skills like arithmetic and probability from board games like Monopoly. Today, video games like Madden Football can expose kids to a number of basic math and measurement skills.

Of course, you should use your best judgment when it comes to choosing games for your kids. Time4Learning also offers 100 educational games to play on the Time4Learning playground. While students are having fun playing, they are also learning from games such as Tetris, Pacman, Air Hockey and more.

Whether you’re looking for an online math curriculum for homeschool or afterschool help, Time4Learning is a popular choice for parents. It was just

voted to the Homeschool.com “Top 100 Educational Websites” list for the second year in a row because it combines the technology kids love with the curriculum they need in a way that is both effective and fun. The preschool-8th grade curriculum includes 1000+ animated lessons, printable worksheets, and graded activities for language arts and math (including algebra).

Help your kids develop a solid math foundation by using a technology-based curriculum like Time4Learning. You’ll be amazed to see their grades improve and the stress disappear. You might even hear that math is fun!

by John Edelson of Time4Learning

r e u q n o C o t How y t e i x n A h Mat y g o l o n h c e with T

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Education Times Science Lab

Play-Doh

E

veryone remembers Play-Doh. Who could forget that soft, pliable and smooth texture, and let’s be honest, we all remember the taste too! But have you ever wondered about the science behind every kid’s favourite modeling compound?

The Science behind Play-Doh One of the major contributors to the softness and texture of Play-Doh is the interaction between its two primary ingredients – a starch-based binder and water. To understand how the dough works, you have to know a little about starch and what happens when it comes into contact with water.

Starches are polysaccharides, or ules strings of sugar molec s of consisting of two type molecules: ear • Amylose, which is lin branched is ich wh n, • Amylopecti

In a starch granule, amylose and amylopectin strands arrange themselves in a starburst around a central point called a hilum. Hydrogen bonds between the strands give the granule its shape.

If you add cold water to a starch, the granules absorb a little bit of it, but they remain pretty much unchanged.

But if you add right amount of warm water, the starch granules swell, break down and release some of their contents into the water. In other words, they gelatinize. You can get a similar affect by mixing starch with cool water and heating it to its gelatinization temperature. Or, you can stir the mixture vigorously – the mechanical action of stirring will help break the granules down.

Make your own!

Ingredients: ½ cup salt 1 cup plain flour tartar 2 tablespoons cream of 1 cup water 1 tablespoon oil Food colouring

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients ed together in a medium siz saucepan. ugh is 2. Stir over heat until do pliable. re 3. Allow to cool and sto in a well sealed plastic container.

This makes enough for 2-4 ep it in children to play with. Ke for 6 the fridge and it will last months or more.

Did you know? Play-Doh was first sold as a wallpaper cleaner!

The Australian Education Times

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The Australian

education times

Puzzle POP

Spot the 5 differences

Crazy But True!!!!!

The most valuable legal tender coin in the world is a $1 million coin made in Australia.

But being that it weighs 1,000kg and is 99.99% pure gold, it is worth almost $45 million.

Laughter Zone!

Q: What did one snowman say to the other?

A: ‘Cause the cow’s got the udder’

A: Do you smell carrots?

Q: What do you call a bear with no teeth?

Q: How does a lion like his meat?

A: ROAR Q: Why do milking stools only have 3 legs?

A: gummy bear Q: What did one shark say to the other while eating a clownfish?

A: This tastes funny

Linking Puzzle Pop to the Australian Curriculum Did you know that picture puzzles develop vocabulary, increase small muscle development, develop eye hand coordination, improve memory skills, increase problem solving skills, build spatial perception and build literacy skills.

34 |

The Australian Education Times

The Australian

education times

Puzzle POP

Crossword Across 1. What element forms the majority of the air we breathe?

2. Who discovered gravity?

3. What particles orbit the nucleus of an atom?

4. What is the first element of the periodic table?

5. What is the largest organ in the human body?

Down 1. What part of all cells separates the interior from the outside environment?

2. What are sucrose, glucose and fructose?

3. What is the largest planet in the solar system?

Knock your brains Q: What devours everything and everything devours it?

A: Neither, they both weigh one pound

A: Time

Q: What is always coming but never arrives?

Q: What has one eye but cannot see?

A: A needle Q: What weighs more, a pound of feathers or a pound of bricks?

may be. Sometimes I end up on the hook, or even deep into a book. What am I? A: A worm

A:Tomorrow Q: I cannot hear or even see, but sense light and sounds there

Guinness World Record The tallest living dog is ‘Zeus’

The tallest living dog is ‘Zeus’ (USA) a Great Dane, who measured 1.118 m (44 in) tall and is owned by Denise Doorlag and her family, of Otsego, Michigan, USA.

For more info on this record and hundreds more, go to guinnessworldrecords.com *Answers can be found on our contest page at www.educationtimes.com.au The Australian Education Times

| 35

The Australian

education times

Horoscopes

36 |

The Australian Education Times

Pisces

Many opportunities will arise to achieve your professional and financial goals.

Aries

Your career is beginning to pick up speed making it difficult to choose between work and play right now!

However, this does not mean you are upset about it, you’re loving it!

Taurus

You are less focused on work this month and more interested in having some fun. This makes August an excellent time to go on a holiday.

Gemini

There are a lot of misunderstandings and disorganisations brewing at work. Positive energy is flowing through the area of your chart that focuses on your home and private life.

Cancer

This will be a great time to have your cake and eat it as you can splurge on loved ones and still maintain your budget.

Leo

Things are going good and you are feeling pretty confident about your place in the world. You begin t o get cocky but you settle down and begin to funnel your positive self-image into more positive channels.

Virgo

The planets are encouraging you to live, laugh, love, sing, dance and play and spend time with loved ones.

Libra

You have many opportunities to socialise. Despite all this positive energy, you have to keep a close eye on your finances.

Scorpio

You are able to work really well within teams and committees as a smart and persuasive leader.

Sagittarius

You may be in the mood to broaden your horizons. Later in the month you are upset about political, cultural, religious or academic arguments.

Capricorn

You are open-minded and ready to learn, some people love it, and some people don’t.

Aquarius

August

You have a small handful of planets moving through your partnerships sector helping you to focus on these one-on-one relationships.

The Austrailan

Education Times

Pictures July in Pictures

Germany winning world cup

Camel Cup Alice Springs

Germans around the world rejoice as their soccer team wins their fourth World Cup, the first as a united nation

The community comes together as the annual Camel Cup in Alice Springs raises money for local charities

Fiesta de San Fermin (Running of the Bulls) Runners flee for safety from stampeding 680kg bulls in the streets of Pamplona during the legendary ‘Running of the Bulls’

Tour de France The Arc de Triomphe watches on as July see’s the return of the Tour de France, the worlds’ most famous cycling race

Jurassic Park meets Sydney

Sydney’s National Museum takes a step into the past with a spectacular T.rex display, revealing the truth behind this misunderstood giant

Cirque Mother Africa Performers defy gravity as Cirque Mother Africa treats Australia to a taste of Africa

Link to the Australian Curriculum Did you know that pictures help students self-correct when reading does not make sense by using pictures, context, meaning, phonics and grammatical knowledge? It also helps high school students to construct suitable data displays, with and without the use of digital technologies, from given or collected data. Include tables, column graphs and picture graphs where one picture can represent many data values?

The Australian Education Times

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The Australian

education times

Curriculum Link

Aboriginal art is a white invention

I

n 2002, one white man and one black man, one art critic, the other an artist, independently came to the same conclusion: Aboriginal art is a white invention.

How could a cultural practice with a history that stretches back thousands of years come from white men, a group that has little more than 200 years of Australian occupancy and influence?

USQ Artsworx presents Black and White:anart talk at Twilight alongside a visual exhibition Black and White Art to explore these ideas.

“The art I have chosen for this exhibition comes from some of the country’s leading museums and galleries as well as from our own (USQ’s) art collection,” said David Akenson, curator of the exhibition Black and White Art. “The show reflects sensitive but important issues informing current debates surrounding the politics of Aboriginal art.”

“As part of this exhibition there is Black and White: anart talk at Twilight where panel members Richard Bell, Rex Butler and I look into this intriguing conundrum through historical, theoretical, cultural and aesthetic perspectives.”

“Richard Bell (Kamilaroi people) is an award winning Australian artist and political activist. Rex Butler is currently Director of Research for the School of English, Media Studies and Art History at the University of Queensland. In 2011 he won the inaugural Arts Faculty Research Excellence Award.”

“In both the art talk and exhibition we explore what is the relationship between urban political Aboriginal art and regional and remote ‘neo-traditional art’, in particular art from the Western Desert and Arnhem Land regions.”

“The dust is far from settled on the question of artistic authorship - how much influence does the white consumer have on the development of Aboriginal Western Desert Art, and how much is driven by cultural heritage” The USQ Arts Gallery and USQ Arts Theatre are located in A block at the University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba.

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A

Global Story

ctors are often perceived as confident, self-assured individuals who are at home in the spotlight, superhuman and flawless. For many celebrities however this is far from the truth. Although it may be strange to think that Hollywood actors can suffer self-esteem issues, a closer look can reveal that they are far more human than glossy magazines make them out to be.

Being in the limelight, as well as living each day with the immense pressure to maintain an image can play a big role in anxiety disorders.

One of the biggest celebrities to suffer from anxiety is Johnny Depp. Famous for playing quirky and eccentric misfits who are misunderstood by society, these roles resonate with his personal experiences and daily struggles.

Although his own insecurities never affect his on-screen performances, Depp often appears shy or uncomfortable in interviews and is known to suffer from panic attacks.

In a 1999 Avantgarde interview Depp revealed that, “As a teenager I was so insecure. I was the type of guy that never fitted in because he never dared to choose. I was convinced I had absolutely no talent at all.”

When it comes to dealing with his insecurities and anxiety, Depp has access to therapists at all times, including on movie sets, to help advise him on how to best control

his anxiety when it strikes. These professionals work with Depp to help him change his way of thinking so that he can get through the day doing what he loves the most. His biggest challenge is interviews.

Although it is difficult to appear outgoing and friendly when he’s in uncomfortable situations, he is still able to try. It is with this support that Depp is able to get through countless media interviews, including those in front of hundreds of people.

Depp’s ability to do this is something that anyone can appreciate and is truly inspiring, especially those who suffer from anxiety themselves.

Although it is uncomfortable for him, he puts his work and others above himself.

Consequently, Depp is a great role model for anxiety sufferers because of what he has been able to achieve and how he deals with his disorder on a regular basis.

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